Barcelona International Community Day 2025: A Celebration of Global Talent

Person enjoying a sunny day in Barcelona with the slogan “I’m Barcelonina by choice” – flyer for Barcelona International Community Day 2025

If you’re one of the 26.4% of Barcelona’s international population, there’s one meetup you can’t miss: Barcelona International Community Day. Organized by Barcelona City Council, this free, long-standing event has become the leading welcome, integration, and networking space for professionals from all over the world who live and work in Barcelona.

Now in its 12th edition, Barcelona International Community Day takes place this year on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at the usual Barcelona Maritime Museum venue. This year’s slogans – ‘I’m Barceloní by choice’, ‘I’m Barcelonina by choice’, ‘We’re Barcelonins by choice’— welcome and celebrate the international community who have chosen to make the city home.

However, as many of us know, being a Barceloní/Barcelonina is about more than just living here: the event will highlight the activities and resources that contribute to newcomers’ integration into and connection with the city, such as knowledge of the Catalan language, culture, and volunteering.

What’s on at Barcelona International Community Day 2025?

Speaker addressing a full auditorium at Barcelona International Community Day

From 10 am to 7 pm, expect a packed program of nearly 60 activities, from expert-led talks and workshops to music, networking, and family-friendly fun.

It’s all organized into several themes:

Moving to and getting involved in the city

Attend practical sessions on taxes, navigating the Catalan healthcare system, and education. Plus, to take you from newcomer to local, there’s advice and activities on learning Catalan and the delicious Catalan cuisine, volunteering, and how to sustainably engage in local tourism.

Work and business

Barcelona Activa will offer talks and workshops on how to find work and set up a business, AI-powered job coaching, and a professional photography service for CV photos. There are also sessions on financing for entrepreneurs and digital talent opportunities.

Workshops and networking

Find speed networking and social sessions to expand your personal and professional circle, and the usual children’s play center with activities to help you connect with other families.

Entertainment and performances

One of the highlights each year, expect lots of fun live shows and cultural performances from around the world, including stick dancing and regional Catalan traditions.

The popular trade fair returns

Crowds engaging with exhibitors at Barcelona International Community Day trade fair

With 79 exhibitors (including 17 public bodies, 32 companies, 16 associations, and 14 international educational institutions), the fair is the ultimate one-stop shop for international residents. Whether you’re looking for legal advice, cultural insight, or a new school for your kids, you’ll find it here.

Expect familiar faces like Barcelona Activa, Entre Trámites, and the Barcelona International Welcome Desk, alongside newcomers showcasing services for relocation, healthcare, insurance, and language learning.

There’s even a Catalan language stand and a volunteering map to help you connect with grassroots initiatives across the city.

Meet the host ambassadors

Each year, Barcelona International Community Day spotlights real people who’ve made Barcelona their home – and thrived. This edition’s host ambassadors come from six different countries and include scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and advocates:

Christy White (USA): Multidisciplinary artist & immigration activist
Ali Parsa (UK/Iran): Health & tech entrepreneur
Fernanda Grace (Brazil): Founder of City Girls Barcelona
Pedro Patrón (Peru): Communications Director at Roche Diagnostics
Shilpa Arora (India): Technologist & cartography expert at Giga
Yoshi Sislay (Japan): Self-taught contemporary artist

They’ll share stories of success and struggle, offering inspiration and practical advice for your own journey in Barcelona.

Why it matters

Barcelona’s international residents bring with them skills, capital, networks, and creativity – all vital ingredients for a globally competitive city. From entrepreneurs and researchers to artists and families, this community is shaping the future of Barcelona. Events like Barcelona International Community Day help not just welcome new residents but also strengthen the city’s social and economic fabric.

So whether you’re a newcomer, local ally, or long-time expat, this is your chance to dig deeper into the city, make great connections, and celebrate the incredible diversity of life in Barcelona.